INTRODUCTION. 



insects, whilst the Tree-creepers, ever and anon uttering their 

 shrill cries, scrutinize carefully the trunks and boughs of trees 

 for grubs and other provender. 



Wherever we may turn we see the birds industriously 

 searching for their food. Shrike-Tits hunt along the tops of 

 trees, above the Tree-creepers, catching an insect here and 

 another there. Above them again the Swifts are darting like 

 arrows hither and thither, snatching away the insects of the 

 upper air. 



Thus from the ground — and even beneath it, for many 

 ground birds dig below the surface for their prey — to the 

 highest regions where insect pests are likely to be found, birds 

 are con?.tantly employed in maintaining a balance, the 

 importance of which can only be realized during the prevalence 

 of a plague. Tt is a curious fact that among birds there 

 appears to be an allotment of areas beyond the bounds of 

 which individuals dare not venture, except under penalty of 

 severe punishment. Even the pugnacious Magpie dare not 

 go beyond his nesting and feeding block without considerable 

 misgivings. An exception must be made of the Gipsy 

 Cuckoos. They are always in trouble, these parasites. Acre 

 after acre of country they wander over, upsetting hundreds of 

 family arrangements. Every bird's " hand " is against them. 



The Fantail, the Wood-Swallow, the Wren, and the Robin 

 are specially concerned in ejecting the Cuckoo from their 

 areas, for the bird loves to lay her eggs in their nests. 

 It is only by a sly evasion of their watchfulness that she is at 

 last able to deposit her egg in the nest of the least watchful 

 bird. But despite the trouble they cause in birdland. Cuckoos 

 are deserving of complete protection, in particular at the 

 hands of the vigneron, whose chosen friends they should be. 



